Palazzo ISBN: 9781786750808 £16.99
Palazzo has published a superb edition of Black Beauty. The introduction provides significant details about Anna Sewell’s life. As a result of a childhood injury, she could not walk, but was able to drive a horse-drawn carriage. She became interested in the way horses were treated in Victorian England. Indeed the book was not written specifically for children. One of her aims was to raise awareness of horses’ needs and to encourage kindness and consideration. Black Beauty is written from the horse’s perspective rather than from that of a human. This approach went on to influence other writers such as Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. Christian Birmingham’s sumptuous illustrations are true to the spirit of this classic and capture the life story, feelings and experiences of Black Beauty as well as giving insights into characters and relationships. The colour illustrations are stunning. I particularly like the depiction of the fire where the reader can almost feel the sparks flying; the vibrant, atmospheric picture of the horse fair, and the elegance and sophistication of the Pultney Street, illustration. Throughout the book there are also vignettes in black and white that are sensitive and moving. This is a special volume that would make a superb present, or addition to a school library.
Brenda Marshall
